WWE Star CM Punk Explains Straight Edge Meaning Behind Pepsi Tattoo

WWE superstar CM Punk has explained the profound personal significance behind his famous Pepsi logo tattoo, revealing it symbolizes his straight edge lifestyle rather than a simple preference for the soda brand. Inspired by the 1980s hardcore punk band Minor Threat, known for popularizing the straight edge subculture, Punk connected the tattoo to a story about the band's guitarist Brian Baker, who had a Coca-Cola tattoo simply because he liked Coke. Punk resonated with Baker's defiant attitude and chose Pepsi to reflect his Midwestern roots and commitment to abstinence from alcohol and drugs. Additionally, Punk has a tattoo honoring the late wrestler Chris Candido, "No Gimmicks Needed," which memorializes Candido's struggles and recovery from addiction before his untimely death. These tattoos highlight Punk's identity rooted in punk rock ethos and his personal experiences with sobriety and loss. Across multiple platforms, Punk has emphasized that his tattoos carry deeper meanings tied to his values and relationships, far beyond their surface appearances.